Home buyers are naturally attracted to areas where the overall impression is one of caring - clean pavements, neat gardens and well-maintained homes.

"And as we can see from the growing popularity of estates in recent years, many also dream about living in an area where they can become friends with their neighbours and share school trips, security initiatives and Sunday braais," says Braam de Jager, national operations manager of Aida.

"Consequently, one of the best ways for home owners in any area to add value to their properties is to work with others to create the type of neighbourhood that will attract more buyers and boost home prices."

But this needs to be a joint endeavour, he says. It is no good expecting or requesting that other people keep their pets under control, for example, if you are not prepared to do something about your dog howling all night."

Similarly, says De Jager, you need to attend to the upkeep of your home if you want others to do the same. In fact, you may have to be the one to set the example - or initiate a neighbourhood drive to clean up the pavements or parks, or start a neighbourhood watch group.

"If you take pride in your home and its surrounds, your neighbours will usually follow suit. No one wants to live in the worst-looking property on the street."